Semi-automatic rifle

ABSTRACT

A self-loading rifle comprising: an upper receiver defining a bolt passage, a bolt operable to reciprocate in the passage motivated by energy from discharge of the rifle, and a barrel extending from the upper receiver. The lower receiver is connected to the upper receiver and contains a trigger group and has a forwardly-extending support below the barrel, a tubular handguard encompassing at least a rear portion of the barrel, and is connected to the forwardly-extending support. The self-loading rifle of claim  1  in this the handguard is not directly connected to the upper receiver or to the barrel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/935,712, filed on Nov. 15, 2019, entitled “PGWDTIDirewolf Semi-Automatic Rifle”, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to semi-automatic rifles.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Semi-automatic rifles may suffer from accuracy limitations compared tobolt action rifles due to the different moving parts and the means ofattaching them together. A typical semi-auto rifle has a handguardsurrounding the barrel and used to support a forward portion of therifle. This may be connected directly to the upper receiver from whichthe barrel extends to avoid contacting a forward portion of the barrel.The configuration is called “free floating.” However, the handguardstill contacts the upper receiver with the mounted barrel, and this andother factors in the convention design can disrupt accuracy.

The preferred embodiment addresses these concerns by providing aself-loading rifle comprising: an upper receiver defining a boltpassage, a bolt operable to reciprocate in the passage motivated byenergy from discharge of the rifle, and a barrel extending from theupper receiver. The lower receiver is connected to the upper receiverand contains a trigger group and has a forwardly-extending support belowthe barrel, a tubular handguard encompassing at least a rear portion ofthe barrel, and is connected to the forwardly-extending support. Theself-loading rifle of claim 1 in this the handguard is not directlyconnected to the upper receiver or to the barrel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-16 show the process of the semi-automatic rifle being used.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show the gas tube delrin bushing to isolate metal tometal contact and reduce the transmission of vibration.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show the full assembly.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show the exploded views of the semi-automatic rifle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows the bolt carrier group.

FIG. 1A shows a top view of the bolt carrier body. There is a view ofthe slot for the cam pin which allows the bolt when installed to rotateand lock into position then unlock and cam out. There is a relief cutfor the gas key with a gas hole and two threaded mounting holes. Thetail end of the carrier is the section that slides into the buffer tubeand has a slot cut out to give the hammer access to the firing pin.

FIG. 1B shows a side profile of the bolt carrier body. There is a reliefcut out for the bolt handle which is held in place by 2 pins and athreaded hole in the center. The bolt handle is fixed and reciprocateswith the bolt carrier group. The two vertically aligned holes are forforward gas venting when the bolt is in the open position, the rearsingle hole is for excess gas venting when the bolt is in the closedposition.

FIG. 1C shows the opposite side profile of 1B detailing the hole for theretaining pin for the firing pin. It allows the firing pin to movebidirectional within the bolt carrier and restricts the amount ofmovement forwards and back.

FIG. 1D is a view of the bolt carrier body.

FIG. 1E is a view of the bolt carrier body.

FIG. 1F shows a cut away of the internal view of the bolt carrier body.Here you can see all of the journals that the bolt seats in and movesalong and where the firing pin is held by its retaining pin.

FIG. 1G shows a front facing view of where the bolt inserts into thecarrier and is locked in place by the cam pin, allowing it toreciprocate and rotate in and out of the carrier body.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of the bolt. There is a slot cut out for theextractor and is held in by a cross hole with a pin. The large hole inthe bolt body is where the cam pin goes through to orient the bolt intothe open and closed positions. The radial groove on the tail section isto capture gas to push against the gas rings which are seated in thesmaller groove.

FIG. 2B shows the bolt face with 7 lugs. The two vertical holes are forthe dual ejectors and a hole in the center for the firing pin.

FIG. 2C is a view of the bolt.

FIG. 2D is a view of the bolt.

FIG. 2E shows an internal view of the bolt. The deep hole runningthrough the part is to house the firing pin body.

FIG. 3A shows the firing pin. The smallest diameter is the firing pintip which protrudes through the bolt and penetrates the primer when thetrigger is pulled. The shaft the pin tip is connected to runs inside thebolt body to keep it straight and concentric. The shoulder that followsthe long section is what prevents the firing pin from protruding too farand piercing the primer. Beyond that shoulder is a small section between2 shoulders, this is where the pin goes through the bolt carrier to keepthe firing pin in place and prevents the firing pin from having too muchforwards and backwards travel.

FIG. 3B is a view of the firing pin.

FIG. 4A shows the gas block riser. This part increases the height of thegas block so that it can be more aligned to the gas tube. Due to thesize of the chamber and the increased size of the barrel and barrel nut,the height of the gas tube hole had to be increased.

FIG. 4B is a view of the gas block riser

FIG. 5A shows the cam pin. The flange at the top is rounded with 2 flatsrunning parallel to each other so that it can ride along the gas slot ofthe upper receiver. The flange also prevents the pin from dropping toofar into the bolt and bolt carrier. The cross hole in the cam pin isthere to allow the firing pin to pass through which keeps the cam pinfrom rotating and also acts as an arbor for the firing pin. The cam pinfor the Direwolf is extended to compensate for the increased size of thebolt carrier.

FIG. 5B is a view of the cam pin.

FIG. 5C is a view of the cam pin.

FIG. 6A shows the charging handle, it is a rectangular piece of aluminumwith 2 scallops for ease of use and allows fingers to sit comfortablyand grip the handle securely. There is a hole that runs length wisethrow the handle and is used to run a bolt that threads into the boltcarrier.

FIG. 6B is a view of the charging handle.

FIG. 6C shows the counter bore to allow the bolt head to sit flush whenmounted on the bolt carrier.

FIG. 6D shows the 2 pins on both sides of the mounting hole that insertinto 2 holes and align the charging handle while at the same time addingshear strength to it.

FIG. 7 shows that unlike conventional AR platform rifles, the upper andlower receiver of the semi-automatic rifle are mated together usinglocating bosses with bolts through the center. This allows for a moreaccurate and rigid receiver set increasing durability and accuracy.There is an additional boss on the upper receiver at the rear forattachment of the buffer tube adapter. The receiver was designed to be agas/bolt gun hybrid utilizing the benefits of a bolt gun and without thedrawbacks of a traditional gas gun. Upper receiver is highlighted inred, lower in blue, and threaded inserts and mounting screws arehighlighted in gold below.

FIG. 7A shows side profile of upper receiver, detailing on the side isfor weight reduction and clearance of bolt catch from the lowerreceiver. Name of rifle is engraved on this side as well. From thisangle you can see the threaded front portion of the receiver which iswhere the barrel extension is inserted and a barrel nut is torqued overto keep barrel in place. On the bottom you can see both of the roundbosses that attach the upper receiver to the lower. As well as the rearboss for the attachment of the buffer adapter. This side profile alsoshows the detail of the integral picatinny rail on the top.

FIG. 7B shows an angled view of the same side above, this provides abetter view of the barrel extension interface and barrel nut interface.Threaded portion in the front is keyed for aligning the barrelextension. Also, above the barrel interface is a threaded hole, thisholds a threaded insert that retains a Delrin insert that prevents metalon metal contact of the gas tube and supports the tube.

FIG. 7C shows the receiver from the front, the bore of the barrelextension is tapered at 45 degrees on the bottom, the barrel extensionis tapered on the front and back to provide a barrel interface that isfully supported and aligned straight and solid. Through this you canalso see the bore for the bolt carrier group. Above is a better view ofthe bore for the threaded insert and Delrin insert for gas tube support.

FIG. 7D shows the opposite side of the upper receiver, this side showsthe ejection port and slot for the bolt handle to travel in. You canalso see the same items that were outlined on the other side of theupper receiver, I will detail further in the descriptions for views thatshow the items better.

FIG. 7E shows an angled view of the ejection port side and the back ofthe receiver. On the rear of the receiver the bore for the bolt carriercontinues through the length of the receiver with the addition of theslot on the top which allows the gas key attached the carrier to enterthe upper. On the bottom of the rear is a threaded hole for a threadedinsert to attach the buffer adapter to the upper.

FIG. 7F shows the back of the upper receiver. You can see the fullchannel for the gas key and the full length bore. Also, a better view ofthe threaded hole for the threaded insert to attach the buffer adapter.

FIG. 7G shows the bottom of the upper receiver. Here you can see thedetail of the bosses that have threaded holes for threaded inserts, thisis the attachment point for the lower to upper interface. Also the rearboss is the same one from above that another threaded insert is placedin for attachment of the buffer adapter. On the bottom you can also seethe cut out for the magazine and trigger group, these allow parts fromthe lower to interface with the upper.

FIG. 7H shows the top of the upper receiver. This shows the full profileof the integral picatinny rail. As well you can see the profile of theweight reduction cuts and the ejection port. Another thing you can seebetter is the groove for the key on the barrel extension which is on thefront of the receiver in the threaded portion.

FIG. 7I shows a cut away of the upper receiver. With this image you cansee all the threaded locations for inserts and the barrel nut. Also,it's easier to see how deep all of the holes and bores are. This justshows the ejection port side but the other side is very similar minusthe ejection port.

FIG. 7J is a view of the receiver set.

FIG. 8A depicts a side profile of the lower receiver. From this side youcan see the pin holes for mounting an AR trigger assembly and bolt catchalong with mag release. This lower accepts AR 15 style grips and has anextended shelf with mounting holes to attach the forend so that it isnot putting any stress on the upper. The trigger guard is made larger toallow the use of firing with gloves.

FIG. 8B is a side profile of the lower receiver.

FIG. 8C shows a view of the lower cut in half. In this view you can seethe internals of the trigger pocket, the mag well and the pockets forthe boss's of the upper that mate with the lower. The upper is securedby 2 bolts that come from the lower and thread into metal insertsattached to the upper.

FIG. 8D shows a view from the bottom of the lower receiver depicting thecounter bores for the upper mounting bolts and forend mount screws. Alsovisible is the mag well for our custom manufactured magazines.

FIG. 8E shows a top view of the lower. There are the pockets for thelocating boss's of the upper, the trigger pocket, the slot for the boltcatch and the cut out for the forend.

FIG. 8F is a view of the lower receiver.

FIG. 9 shows the barrel assembly.

FIG. 9A shows a top view of the gas block. Depicted here is the crosshole that holds the pin that secures the gas tube and the adjustmentscrew for varying the amount of gas that is allowed to pass back throughto the bolt carrier.

FIG. 9B Side view of the gas block showing the adjustment screw and gastube cross hole.

FIG. 9C is a view of the gas block.

FIG. 9D is a view of the gas block.

FIG. 9E is a view of the gas block.

FIG. 9F shows an angled view of the gas block. Seen here is the bore ofthe gas block that fits tightly around the barrel. The two mountingscrew holes that match two dimples on the barrel for perfect alignmentof the gas ports. The gas port on the inside of the bore.

FIG. 9G is a view of the gas block.

FIG. 10 shows the hand guard (FIG. 10 ) is free floating and attaches tothe lower receiver eliminating stresses on the barrel and the action. Itutilizes a one-piece steel strap (FIG. 11A) affixed to the hand guardwith one bolt, keeping parts together during disassembly, the strap andhand guard assembly are then mounted to the lower receiver with 4 bolts.This eliminates stresses on the upper receiver which results in lessharmonic distortion on the barrel increasing accuracy potentialsignificantly. The slots machined into the hand guard allow for the useof M-LOK accessories and clearances have been put in place to allow forthe gas tube to raise into the upper without friction. Handguardhighlighted in red below to illustrate free floating and mounting platehighlighted in gold.

FIG. 10A shows a side profile of the hand guard. On four sides there arefull length M-lok slots and in between are slots cut out for lightening.

FIG. 10B shows a top view depicting the slot on the top that is neededso that the gas tube can pass through and continue into the upperreceiver.

FIG. 10C is a view of the hand guard.

FIG. 10D shows a bottom view depicting the 45-degree angle cut so thatthe hand guard can seat nicely into the lower which is then bolted onwith 4 mounting locations. A metal strap with threads is insert on theinside and the screws from the receiver are threading into themsandwiching the hand guard in place.

FIG. 10E is a view of the hand guard.

FIG. 11A shows the mounting strap for the hand guard, it has threadedholes with bosses surrounding them. The boss's act as locators and thereis a smaller threaded hole so the strap can be mounted independently tothe hand guard, once this is done the hand guard can be securely mountedto the lower.

FIG. 11B is a view of the mounting strap.

FIG. 11C is a view of the mounting strap.

FIG. 11D is a view of the mounting strap.

FIG. 11E is a view of the mounting strap.

FIG. 11F is a view of the mounting strap.

FIG. 12A shows the rifled barrel, with a machined diameter, gas hole andlocating dimples to accommodate the gas block. The muzzle is threaded toaccommodate compensators, flash hiders and suppressors. The rear of thebarrel is threaded to accept the barrel extension.

FIG. 12B is a view of the barrel.

FIG. 12C shows the front view of the barrel exposing the muzzle andcrown.

FIG. 12D shows the rear view of the barrel. Here you can see the chamberwhere the ammunition is seated.

FIG. 13A Shows the front view of the barrel extension. Here you can seethe pattern of the lugs that the bolt mates with.

FIG. 13B shows the inside of the barrel extension where the ID isthreaded so it can be fastened to the rear of the barrel and torqued on.

FIG. 13C shows the outside of the barrel extension that slides into theupper receiver, the tolerances are tight so that when the two are matedthere is no play or wiggle in the barrel.

FIG. 13D is a view of the barrel extension.

FIG. 14A shows the face of the barrel nut, the inside diameter is madewith clearance so it can slip over the barrel. The pockets visible hereare to accommodate a spanner and torque wrench.

FIG. 14B shows the back side of the barrel nut which is threaded andfastened to the upper receiver.

FIG. 14C is a view of the barrel nut.

FIG. 14D is a view of the barrel nut.

FIG. 15 shows the backside of the bolt carrier is supported by a bushingthat is built into the buffer tube adapter. The bolt carrier in anyposition is always supported and makes for a smoother and more accurateoperating rifle. The buffer tube adapter is held on by a single bolt andallows the access and removal of the bolt carrier group easily andwithout effort. This also allows access to clean the barrel from therear of the action. The buffer tube adapter is highlighted in red andthe mounting screw is highlighted in gold.

FIG. 15A shows the backside of the buffer tube adapter. The large threadaccepts the buffer tube to fasten securely to the adapter. The smallerhole with the counter bore is to bolt the adapter to the receiver.

FIG. 15B shows the front of the buffer tube adapter. The adapter islocated by the large boss on the back that fits into the large bore ofthe upper receiver. The smaller boss at the top is used to time itcorrectly by fitting in the gas tube slot in the upper receiver. Insidethe boss is a bore that supports the bolt carrier and allows it to slideinto the buffer tube freely and smoothly.

FIG. 15C is a view of the buffer tube adapter.

FIG. 15D is a view of the buffer tube adapter.

FIG. 15E shows ¾ of the buffer adapter is in place and the bolt carrierin the rear position to show how the carrier is supported. The bossprotrudes into the upper receiver and wraps around the rear of the boltcarrier to fully support it.

FIG. 16 shows the gas tube is positioned accurately in the upperreceiver with an acetal composite bushing. This bushing is rigid andkeeps the gas tube in place while also isolating the gas tube from theupper receiver, dampening harmonic vibrations. Due to the material it ismade of it also reduces gas cutting and acts as a seal reducing forwardfacing gas expenditure. The bushing is held in place securely by athreaded insert with a hole through the center to allow the gas tube topass through it (FIG. 16B). Bushing highlighted in red below toillustrate placement in receiver behind threaded insert which is alsohighlighted in gold.

FIG. 16A shows the gas tube bushing. The large diameter fits tight intothe bore of the gas tube inlet. The inside diameter is made to be atight fit to the gas tube to ensure that the tube is positioned securelyand accurately.

FIG. 16B shows the gas tube bushing in its correct position in the upperreceiver, it is held in place by a threaded insert to prevent it frommoving.

FIG. 17A shows the full assembly.

FIG. 17B shows the full assembly.

FIG. 18A shows the exploded view.

FIG. 18B shows the exploded view.

I claim:
 1. A self-loading rifle comprising: an upper receiver defininga bolt passage; a bolt operable to reciprocate in the passage motivatedby energy from discharge of the rifle; a barrel extending from the upperreceiver; a lower receiver connected to the upper receiver andcontaining a trigger group; the lower receiver having aforwardly-extending support below the barrel; and a tubular handguardencompassing at least a rear portion of the barrel, and connected to theforwardly-extending support.
 2. The self-loading rifle of claim 1 inthis the handguard is not directly connected to the upper receiver or tothe barrel.